Crew Member Discloses Depression In the Wake of Deluge of Harassment After Historic Trip

A Vietnamese-American astronaut has spoken candidly about her struggle with mental health after being subjected to a relentless barrage of criticism in the aftermath of a landmark journey to the edge of space.

Amanda Nguyen – celebrated as a scientist and civil rights advocate – was part of the brief journey to space earlier this year, which also featured celebrity crewmates.

The high-profile flight was widely scrutinized by some, who questioned its cost and carbon footprint.

Reflecting on the situation, Ms. Nguyen, who became the pioneer for her community, stated the intense backlash overshadowed her achievement under an landslide of gendered hatred.

“I explained the depression could persist for a long time,” she recounted in a social media post, referring to a phone call from a fellow crew member in the aftermath of the landing.

She portrayed the subsequent media coverage and social media frenzy as an unprecedented psychological assault.

“Stuck in Texas, I spent a week unable to rise from my bed,” she revealed. “Weeks after, I was forced to terminate a call, my voice choked by tears.”

Buried Under Misogyny

The researcher, who has conducted studies in women's health research and performed experiments during the mission, said every professional achievement – from her lab work and extensive preparation to the historic significance of her heritage – was drowned out under the deluge of gendered attacks.

She is best known for her pioneering work fighting for justice for sexual assault survivors.

Her own goal of reaching space was put on hold after an attack during her time as a student, leading to a years-long quest for justice.

Finding Solid Ground

Months following fulfilling her dream, she has stated the heaviest sorrow is beginning to clear, and she thanked the followers whose kindness pulled her through. “You all saved me,” she said.

She concluded that even with the backlash, considerable good had resulted from the flight, such as elevated attention for her scientific work and new advocacy opportunities.

The Historic Journey

The fully automated New Shepard rocket departed Texas in the spring, carrying the historic roster on a brief suborbital flight that passed the internationally recognized boundary of space.

The diverse crew also comprised accomplished professionals from different industries.

The enterprise behind the mission is a commercial aerospace company founded by a prominent billionaire entrepreneur.